The bill aims to enhance the regulations surrounding meal and rest breaks for hospital workers in Washington State, recognizing the importance of these breaks for both employee well-being and patient care. It introduces a new section that emphasizes the need for clear scheduling and taking of breaks, particularly in light of the increasing prevalence of longer work shifts in hospitals. The bill amends RCW 49.12.480 to ensure that employers provide uninterrupted meal and rest breaks, with specific provisions for unforeseeable circumstances. Additionally, it allows for the combination of meal and rest periods under mutual agreement between employers and employees, while also establishing guidelines for waiving certain meal period requirements.

Key amendments include the introduction of a written waiver process for meal and rest periods, which must be voluntary and agreed upon in advance. Employers are required to maintain records of missed breaks and provide quarterly reports to the Department of Labor, detailing missed and waived meal and rest periods. The bill also clarifies definitions for "employee" and "employer" within the context of hospital work. The new regulations will take effect on January 1, 2026, providing a structured approach to ensuring that hospital workers receive their entitled breaks while accommodating the operational needs of healthcare facilities.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 49.12.480
Substitute Bill: 49.12.480
Bill as Passed Legislature: 49.12.480
Session Law: 49.12.480